The union representing 160,000 actors and performers is alleging that Fortnite’s new AI-powered Darth Vader unlawfully infringes on their members’ labor rights.
SAG-AFTRA said in a statement Monday that it had filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board after Llama Productions LLC, which is owned by Fortnite-developer Epic Games, refused to bargain over the terms of conditions of launching the new AI product.
The AI-powered version of late actor James Earl Jones’s voice will take away work traditionally performed by union members, “including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games,” SAG-AFTRA said.
The union has dueled with the entertainment industry multiple times in recent years over the impacts of artificial intelligence on their members. Video game employees most recently walked off on strike in 2024, following the lead of Hollywood actors who the year prior halted the industry in a 113-day work stoppage over AI protections.
SAG-AFTRA said Monday that Llama Productions rolled out the new Darth Vader with no notice to the union. The copy of the unfair labor practice charge provided by the union didn’t include a docket number or regional office information. ULPs are investigated by the regional office before an official complaint is filed by the agency.
Epic Games didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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